A Chance Like No Other

The Boys PRE Cross Country team at a recent meet.

Year after year, the Park Ridge/Emerson Boys Cross Country team has been putting out their best runners in search of league title, yet have come up short each time. This year, hope is in the air as the team is currently 6-0- their statistics in the past few years. With a league title just within reach, the team is ready for the challenge. Days have been spent practicing and motivating each other in order to inherit the crown.

Mr. Farrell has been the head coach for the Boys Cross Country team for the last fifteen years, and has seen the many successes or failures of various teams. He says “every year is different. Hopefully you get the most out of each team, as each team has their own potential.” And this year, the boys are certainly living up to their potential. Even with the pressure and excitement building up, though, Farrell reminds his team to remain determined and work hard each day. He firmly believes that “every day serves a purpose, if you take care of work at practice, the rest is history.”

The team knows that they have a big opportunity lying in their hands. This does not negatively impact them, though. Junior Jack Burns says “the fact that we have a chance at the title doesn’t make me feel pressured, but instead more excited and energized.” The energy and excitement can be seen through the team. Practices are more arduous-yet exciting- than ever before. The team’s chemistry is also at an all-time high between long practices and team bonding, which improves their overall performance on the course.

Going into this season, the team had lost a crucial teammate, Matthew DiLorenzo. He was a huge asset in the contention of team for a league title. Junior Michael Pantaleo praised Matthew for his excellent leadership, saying “we lost a great teammate and leader when Matt graduated.” However, DiLorenzo left the team in good hands. Senior Jake Cooper and Pantaleo have become the star runners, and have truly stepped up as leaders of the team. Pantaleo acknowledges that Jake has done an excellent job in leading the team, saying “Jake has really stepped up to fill [the leadership] role this year.” With their motivation and excellent leaders, including Coach Farrell, the team is on their way to greatness. Good luck, boys!